AMC also did this years ago (for far less upfront money) and it was not popular with the studios. Let’s see what happens with this next effort. The fact is most people go to the movies five times a year. If they can convince people to pay fifty bucks per month, they’ll probably do well. That’s still the price of four to five tickets in most cities. Few of us — as much as we’d like to — go that often. But I wouldn’t mind the option of dropping into a theater anytime without paying again.
Hi All — Sorry to disappoint, but I took this (profile) photo in 2001. Whatever “restoration” was underway apparently has not been completed. It’s sad that a decade later these two gems are still sitting there.
Hi Tinseltoes — Recent comments are actually higher up on the page now, though they are slightly smaller. While you and I (and other frequent users) may go for those first, we’re also trying to make the page friendlier for first time visitors. Many are looking for operating cinemas. We’re always reaching for that balance between celebrating older “treasures” and making the site a resource for moviegoers and theater owners.
Israel is lucky to still have a number of old and distinctive cinemas. I have a few other Israeli cinemas to add soon from Haifa and Beersheva. (Need to ID them first.) Can’t wait to see what other international cinemas roll in over the next few months.
I’m certainly not happy when a theater becomes a drug store or some other retail venture, but to tear down this irreplaceable Cinema Treasure for a weed-filled dirt lot is unbearable. And it just sits there every day wallowing in its ignominious shame. It really symbolizes everything depressing about Westwood in 2011.
San Diego Reader’s thoughts on the subject—>
You guys delivered in a huge way: since this post three days ago, CT users have added roughly a thousand photos. It’s amazing!
For more information on this drive-in, check out this NPR story.
It pains me to do this, but I’m changing this theater to demolished…
Yep — see The Wrap update above.
Peter — Isn’t this from 1922 (since they’re showing “Nanook of the North”)?
Thanks RZKbios and thanks for the images!
AMC also did this years ago (for far less upfront money) and it was not popular with the studios. Let’s see what happens with this next effort. The fact is most people go to the movies five times a year. If they can convince people to pay fifty bucks per month, they’ll probably do well. That’s still the price of four to five tickets in most cities. Few of us — as much as we’d like to — go that often. But I wouldn’t mind the option of dropping into a theater anytime without paying again.
Well, it is a press release. Kind of goes along with the genre/format. :)
Hi All — Sorry to disappoint, but I took this (profile) photo in 2001. Whatever “restoration” was underway apparently has not been completed. It’s sad that a decade later these two gems are still sitting there.
Ha!
Indeed. Count me as a charter member. All of these new images are fantastic.
Hi Tinseltoes — Recent comments are actually higher up on the page now, though they are slightly smaller. While you and I (and other frequent users) may go for those first, we’re also trying to make the page friendlier for first time visitors. Many are looking for operating cinemas. We’re always reaching for that balance between celebrating older “treasures” and making the site a resource for moviegoers and theater owners.
Israel is lucky to still have a number of old and distinctive cinemas. I have a few other Israeli cinemas to add soon from Haifa and Beersheva. (Need to ID them first.) Can’t wait to see what other international cinemas roll in over the next few months.
Thanks Ron! Please be in touch with Ken Roe about updating street locations. We hope to have the capability to allow users to edit addresses soon.
They just don’t (and apparently can’t) make movies like this anymore. (See Indy 4 for proof.)
I have such great memories of midnight shows at the Plaza. This image is all that’s left…
Ok – Patrick fixed the formatting of the post.
Cliffs — What browser and computer are you using?
And, again, Michael, Herculean work on this. Definitely worth tweeting about again today.
Great photo of the theater found on this blog.
Wow — great condition and a rather unique design.
Another amazing research job, Michael!
This is a fantastic image!
I’m certainly not happy when a theater becomes a drug store or some other retail venture, but to tear down this irreplaceable Cinema Treasure for a weed-filled dirt lot is unbearable. And it just sits there every day wallowing in its ignominious shame. It really symbolizes everything depressing about Westwood in 2011.
Thanks Joel! CinemaTour is an amazing site. Here’s a photo you must see in Curbed Los Angeles.